Mini Expo: Jimmi Francoeur

I discovered Jimmi Francoeur the way you probably reconnected with your elementary crush: Facebook. We friended each other a few years ago and since then, I’ve been following his work through his glamorous portraits and symmetrical images. I find his work always well balanced, with his traditional black and white direction, beautiful models and well-known musicians. He gladly answered a few questions for us about his photo technique, his inspirations and favourite photographers.

What are your inspirations?

Since music has always been a part of my life, I normally start shooting with a certain song in mind. At first, it was mostly british music that was inspiring my work as for now, I am mostly digging into my teenage years to find inspiration. Since I am a 90’s kid, it is probably why you see lots of leather jackets and 4X4 in my new photos (laughs). I am also really inspired by Bruce Springsteen and Rocky Balboa.

Do you prefer digital or film?

We are in a generation of digital images and to be honest, I started creating photos when I was quite old (27 years old). It was mostly the trials and errors of digitals that made me who I am as a photographer now. When I go for film, I wisely choose my projects, like when I travel with a band because it adds a lot to the final result.

Favourite photographer?

I know it may sound weird, but I do not follow the trends or a photographer in particular. I try to dissociate myself from fashion and keep the focus on what I want to create. Obviously, I still enjoy the work of many other photographers such as trick Demarchelier, William Gedney and Hedi Slimane, for her young american spirit.

Why Photography?

It was a pure coincidence. I bought I camera when I was on a trip and on the way back, a friend of mine who had a band asked me to take photos of them, thinking I was a photographer because I now owned a camera (laughs). Then came the portraits and this is where I am now.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to start taking photos?

To shoot as much as possible. Find your voice. Do not follow the trends. Do it for the right reasons. Do not be afraid to ask people to be your model. Tell your models what you want from them, what you are looking for in this particular shoot. It’s all about communication.

* Don’t forget to click on the photos to see them in a bigger size

** Psst, the model in the second picture is my elementary school boyfriend ;)